Brandon Twp. – While the price tag is astounding, Brandon Fire Chief Bob McArthur says $304,543 was the low bid to build the new fire truck.
However, the chief requested approval of $310,543 in case any changes need to be made to the rig.
McArthur confirmed to the board that the truck will be housed at Station 1 replacing the pump truck, a 1996, which will be transferred to Station 3 after the building is completed.
The winning contractor, KME Fire Apparatus from Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania has built previous Brandon fire trucks, and McArthur explained that he is pleased to accept KME’s bid because the new rig will be identical to the trucks the firefighters are already accustomed to.
‘We’ve had good luck with that company,? said McArthur. ‘And for training purposes the truck will be consistent for the firefighters.?
While the cost of the truck sounds like a big chunk of change, McArthur says he has been budgeting for it in a 15 year budget plan, established more than six years ago. McArthur says the plan allows for a payoff of the pumper by the 2007 budget year.
As an extra bonus, McArthur says adding the old pumper truck to Station 3 will improve surrounding residents ISO insurance rating, potentially saving a homeowner up to $700 per year for a $200,000 home.
‘It’s significant for the folks to have a truck and station in that area,? said McArthur who said the department is looking at a truck delivery date of December 2004.